Method of cutting and decorating eggshells

ABSTRACT

Intricate cutting of an empty eggshell is accomplished by applying over and affixing to the surface of the shell a fine cord, or braid, in a manner so as to produce an artistic design, and cutting out portions of the eggshell bounded by the cord by inserting a drill bit into and within the eggshell and cutting laterally with the drill edge along the boundary of the portion formed by the cord until the enclosed portion is completely cut out.

llnited States Patent LeVan 1 Feb. 12, 1974 METHOD OF CUTTING AND DECORATING EGGSHELLS {76] Inventor: Sally A. LeVan, 2704 Boyd St.,

Bethlehem, Pa. 18017 [22] Filed: Oct. 3, 1972 21 Appl. No.: 294,502

[52] US. Cl 156/62, 8/9, 156/61, 156/250, 156/267, 161/20, D29/l B [51] Int. Cl. B44c 5/00 [58] Field of Search. 156/61, 62, 267, 250; 161/20; 426/104, D29/l B, 8/9

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,829,645 10/1931 Gibbens 8/9 1,829,689 10/1931 Townley et a1. 8/9

Primary ExaminerEd vard G. Whitby Attorney, Agent, or Firm Paul & Paul [57] ABSTRACT Intricate cutting of an empty eggshell is accomplished by applying over and affixing to the surface of the shell a fine cord, or braid, in a manner so as to produce an artistic design, and cutting out portions of the eggshell bounded by the cord by inserting a drill bit into and within the eggshell and cutting laterally with the drill edge along the boundary of the portion formed by the cord until the enclosed portion is completely cut out.

11 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures METHOD OF CUTTING AND DECORATING EGGSI-IELLS 1 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention lies in the field of decorating empty eggshells to produce artistic creations and, more particularly, cutting designs in empty eggshells as a part of such decorating.

2. Description of the Prior Art The art of egg decorating is quite old and very well established. It has long been known that eggs of many sizes are suitable forms, or vehicles, for creating works of art. The eggshell, once drained and empty, provides an oval shape of classic symmetry and beauty, and a durable and long lasting surface for holding a design. The potential for egg decorating goes far beyond the well known Easter Egg phenomenon, and in fact has risen to a very high art form. Exquisitely painted and decorated eggs may be found in many museums, and, as works of art, are commanding extremely handsome prices.

In order to enhance the beauty of a painted and/or decorated egg, there have been developed techniques for cutting limited portions out of the eggshell. For example, doors have been cut from and remounted to eggshells, the door opening permitting the artist to mount various designs and forms within the interior of the eggshell itself. Such cutting, even of a simple form such as a rectangular opening for a door, has been an extremely delicate task requiring considerable skill and patience. This form of prior art egg cutting has essentially been limited to cutting openings comprised entirely of simple straight line segments, or cutting eggs in half, and the artist has not heretofore been able to do fine and intricate cutting of curvilinear designs or complex curves. The reason for this is that the straight line segment forms could, with skill and diligence, be cut with a sharp knife, a razor blade, or a similar type tool, without cracking, splintering or otherwise breaking and impairing the eggshell. However, the artist had no technique for doing fine and intricate cutting of the eggshell so as to produce in the eggshell a design having a pattern of curvilinear forms, intricate lacework, or the like. Prior art attempts to develop a reliable technique for cutting curvilinear designs in empty eggshells uniformly have met with failure because of the inability to cut curved lines without impairing the surface of the eggshell which is to remain at the completion of the job. v

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is a primary object of this invention to provide an inexpensive and reliable method whereby an artist can cut into an empty eggshell a design of unlimited geometric complexity, thus producing an eggshell having one or more openings with curvilinear boundaries.

provides a decorative outline and enhances the ability of the artist to remove from the eggshell portions defined by such cord.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a method which is efficient, quick and reliable for cutting a multiplicity of openings in an empty eggshell and producing therefrom an artistic interconnecting shell network.

In accordance with the above objectives, the method of this invention comprises affixing a cord, braid, or like material to the surface of an empty eggshell in a manner so as to produce a curvilinear design on such shell, the design enclosing at least one confined portion of the egg surface, and cutting out the enclosed portions bordered by the braid. The cutting is performed by penetrating each enclosed portion with a drill bit having fluted edges, the penetration being sufficient that the tip of the bit is within the shell interior, and

- then moving the drill bit laterally relative to the shell surface so that the shell portion is cut with the fluted edges of the drill bit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1a is an illustration of an eggshell having a design sketched thereon.

FIG. lb is an illustration of an eggshell with braid laid down over a sketched design.

FIG. 10 is a perspective illustration of the manner of holding a cutting tool as used in the practice of this invention.

FIG. 1d is a perspective illustration of the manner of performing the cutting step of this invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT In practicing the method of this invention, the artist starts with an egg of the desired size. Eggs of many different birds lend'themselves to this art form, and the method of this invention is not limited to any particular type of egg. In actual practice, artists utilize eggs of chickens, geese, ostriches, ducks, turkeys, emu and rhea, just to mention a few. The egg is cleaned out, to form the empty egg-shell, preferably by forming a small hole at each end and blowing out the contents by placing a source of high pressure air at one of the two holes. Other conventional techniques may be employed to clean out the interior of the egg.

The first step in producing an intricate eggshell design is to draw, or sketch, the design on the face, or surface of the empty eggshell 10, as illustrated in FIG. 1a. The artist may perform this step using any convenient drawing instrument, e.g., an ordinary household pencil. After the artist is satisfied with the design as drawn on the eggshell, the next step is to apply a braid 12 over the design and affix it thereto. Thus, as seen in FIG. lb, the braid 12 which has been so affixed provides the outline of the design. In the preferred embodiment, a fine gold braid is used, but it is to be understood that lengths of other types of materials may also be employed, to suit the taste of the artist. The gold braid creates a gilded edge which is particularly striking in this art form. However, braids of other colors may be used, and there is no limitation in the composition of the braid, or cord, which is to be used. Thus, when used herein, the term braid is meant to encompass as well equivalent materials carrying the normal designations of cord, string, ribbon, and the like.

The braid 12 is preferably affixed to the surface of the eggshell by using a common household cement, such as Duco type household cement. Any other suitable quick drying cement or adhesive may be used, preferably an alcohol cement and not a water based cement. The cement may be dispensed directly from the container, or may be applied with the aid ofa toothpick or equivalent narrow, pointed instrument or brush. Alternately, the cement may first be applied directly to the braid, which is then affixed to the eggshell.

After the cement has been laid upon the eggshell surface, along the outline as previously drawn and illustrated in FIG. 1a, the artist lays down the braid with the use of any other household instruments which he might find convenient. For example, it is useful to employ, in this step of the operation, a small pair of scissors, tweezers, and a razor knife (for cutting appropriate lengths), placing the braid precisely over the design outline. The length of the sections of braid is a matter of the artists choice, and generally will depend upon the degree of curvature of the design portions being laid.

As illustrated in FIG. lb, after the braid has been applied to the eggshell, the outline of the design has been achieved and is accentuated by the surface of the braid as raised above the eggshell (as well as by the color of the braid). In addition, the step of cementing the braid to the eggshell adds considerable strength and stability to the egg itself, giving it a greater capacity to withstand the step of cutting without cracking, splintering, or any other deterioration of the egg surface. In FIG. 1b, several of the portions of the eggshell 10 which are to be cut out, are illustrated by phantom cross-hatching, and designated 22.

After the step of cementing or adhering the braid to the egg surface is completed, the artist commences the step of cutting the egg. The preferred instrument for performing .the step of cutting is a palm-sized cutting tool 15, such as the Dremel Moto-Tool, held as illustrated in FIG. 1c. This palm-size type of tool 15 is lightweight and compact, and handles with a very vibrationfree operation. The artist inserts into the cutting tool a wire size drill bit 16, having fluted sides, as does a conventional drill bit, The term wire-size as used here denotes a bit of small diameter, being small enough to be able to cut the eggshell to the degree of resolution required by the design which has been drawn on the eggshell. Thus, as can be seen at points and 21 of the egg illustrated in FIG. 1b, the design calls for cut out portions of a fineness which limit the maximum diameter of the drill to be used. The finer this limit, or the higher the cutting resolution required, the smaller must be the size, or diameter of the fluted drill. In practice, the required resolution may be as small as or less than the thickness of the braid itself, in order to cut out the desired designs. I

It is to be noted that a bit with fluted edges is particularly adapted to the practice of this invention. For example, it has been determined that disc-type drills, or dentists drills, are not suitable, and use ofthem for cutting curvilinear openings is unsatisfactory because they cause uncontrolled breaking and shattering of the eggshell.

As illustrated in FIG. 1d, the artist holds the eggshell 10 in one hand, and holds the cutting tool 15 in the other hand. The artist causes the drill bit 16 to penetrate the eggshell 10 at a point within an enclosed portion such as 22 which is to be cut out. While maintaining the end tip of the bit 16 within the interior of the eggshell, the rotating bit is urged laterally against the eggshell, so that the shell is cut by the rotating fluted .sides. The high speed rotation of the fluted sides permits cutting away of the eggshell without any breaking or cracking of the remainder of the eggshell. The artist cuts laterally until meeting the braid outline, and then cuts all along the edge of the braid until the entire enclosed portion is cut out or drops out. The cut out portion is then bordered, or outlined, by braid. In a similar fashion, the artist proceeds to cut out all other portions of the shell which are bounded by braid, and which are thus separated from other enclosed portions.

In the practice of the method of this invention, as set forth hereinabove, there is no practical limitation upon the type of design that can be cut out from the eggshell.

This is in contradistinction to the prior art practice,

which has been essentially limited to straight line cutting. For example, I have found that the method of this invention permits safe and reliable cutting of the eggshell so as to leave lengths of the shell which corre spond solely to a curvilinear length of the braid, as demonstrated at 23. Also, the borders of the cut out portions are essentially unlimited in contour, and may be formed to any desired curvilinear form. This permits the creation of cut-out designs having a lace-like effect heretofore not achievable. After the cut-out of the egg has been completed, the artist then paints and decorates the egg in any way desired. Other further steps may, of course, be taken by the artist, such as affixing decorative objects to the cut-out eggshell, placing miniature figures inside the eggs, etc. These latter steps are a matter of the artists choice and, as such, do not form any part of the invention claimed herein.

It is seen from the above description that the method of this invention is relatively simple and easy to understand and carry out, and at the same time extremely effective in enabling the artist to compose egg designs acceptance and success rarely seen in artistic circles.

For example, the use of this method has permitted me to acquire the prize for the best cut and designed egg in the show at the recent International Eggeurs Convention in Saddlebrook, New Jersey, held during the week of Aug. 25, 1972. Indeed, this new method enables the designing, cutting and decorating of eggs in a manner heretofore simply not achievable. The combination of cementing the braid material on the surface of the eggshell so as to form a gilded outline of the design while simultaneously strengthening the eggshell structure, and utilizing a tool which does not rip or tear the eggshell, permits the creation of these unique and highly valuable art forms.

I claim:

1. A method of producing a decorated eggshell having a raised design and having at least one cut out opening therein, comprising:

a. affixing braid to the outer surface of an empty eggshell so as to produce a curvilinear design thereon, said braid bounding at least one portion of said surface, with a curvilinear boundary; and

b. cutting out the eggshell within said one portion to produce said one cut out opening bordered by said braid.

2. The method as described in claim 1 wherein the step of cutting is performed by penetrating the shell within the portion to be cut out with a drill bit having fluted edges, so that the tip thereof is within the interior of the empty shell, and removing said portion by cutting same with the fluted edges while maintaining the tip within said interior.

3. The method as described in claim 2 wherein the step of cutting is performed by moving said bit laterally relative to the eggshell surface.

4. The method as described in claim 1, comprising first drawing on said eggshell the desired design and then affixing braid over said drawn design.

5. The method as described in claim 4, comprising cementing said braid to the outer surface of the eggshell.

6. the method as described in claim 3 wherein the step of affixing comprises cementing said braid to said outer eggshell surface.

7. The method as described in claim 6, wherein said braid bounds a plurality of surface portions, and each of said plurality of bounded portions is cut out in the same manner as said one portion to produce a plurality of cut out openings bordered by said braid.

8. The method as described in claim 7 wherein said openings are cut to a resolution smaller than the width of said braid.

9. The method as described in claim 1 wherein said braid bounds a plurality of surface portions, each such portion having a curvilinear boundary, and each of said bounded portions is cut out in the same manner as said one portion to produce a plurality of cut out openings having curvilinear, braided boundaries.

10. The method as described in claim 2 wherein said braid bounds a plurality of surface portions, each such portion having a curvilinear boundary, and each of said bounded portions is cutout in the same manner as said one portion to produce a plurality of cut out openings having curvilinear, braided boundaries.

11. A method of producing a decorated eggshell having at least one cut out opening with a curvilinear boundary, comprising:

a. drawing on said eggshell said boundary; and

b. cutting out said opening by penetrating the eggshell within the portion thereof which is to be cut out with a drill having fluted edges so that the tip of said drill is within the interior of said eggshell, and removing said portion by cutting same with said fluted edges while maintaining said tip within said interior. 

1. A method of producing a decorated eggshell having a raised design and having at least one cut out opening therein, comprising: a. affixing braid to the outer surface of an empty eggshell so as to produce a curvilinear design thereon, said braid bounding at least one portion of said surface, with a curvilinear boundary; and b. cutting out the eggshell within said one portion to produce said one cut out opening bordered by said braid.
 2. The method as described in claim 1 wherein the step of cutting is performed by penetrating the shell within the portion to be cut out with a drill bit having fluted edges, so that the tip thereof is within the interior of the empty shell, and removing said portion by cutting same with the fluted edges while maintaining the tip within said interior.
 3. The method as described in claim 2 wherein the step of cutting is performed by moving said bit laterally relative to the eggshell surface.
 4. The method as described in claim 1, comprising first drawing on said eggshell the desired design and then affixing braid over said drawn design.
 5. The method as described in claim 4, comprising cementing said braid to the outer surface of the eggshell.
 6. the method as described in claim 3 wherein the step of affixing comprises cementing said braid to said outer eggshell surface.
 7. The method as described in claim 6, wherein said braid bounds a plurality of surface portions, and each of said plurality of bounded portions is cut out in the same manner as said one portion to produce a plurality of cut out openings bordered by said braid.
 8. The method as described in claim 7 wherein said openings are cut to a resolution smaller than the width of said braid.
 9. The method as described in claim 1 wherein said braid bounds a plurality of surface portIons, each such portion having a curvilinear boundary, and each of said bounded portions is cut out in the same manner as said one portion to produce a plurality of cut out openings having curvilinear, braided boundaries.
 10. The method as described in claim 2 wherein said braid bounds a plurality of surface portions, each such portion having a curvilinear boundary, and each of said bounded portions is cut out in the same manner as said one portion to produce a plurality of cut out openings having curvilinear, braided boundaries.
 11. A method of producing a decorated eggshell having at least one cut out opening with a curvilinear boundary, comprising: a. drawing on said eggshell said boundary; and b. cutting out said opening by penetrating the eggshell within the portion thereof which is to be cut out with a drill having fluted edges so that the tip of said drill is within the interior of said eggshell, and removing said portion by cutting same with said fluted edges while maintaining said tip within said interior. 